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Welcome to Zakynthos (or Zante) in the Ionian group of Greek Islands. To be found in the Ionian group of islands, Zakynthos is an island of such great beauty and wonderful beaches that writers throughout the ages have been inspired to make mention of it.The island's capital town, Zakynthos, was almost destroyed in the earthquake of 1953 and was re-built with spacious streets and impressive buildings and squares. Whilst in the town, take the time to visit the museum of Solomos, dedicated to the writer Dionysus Solomos, who was born on the island and lived from 1798 to 1857. It was his, Hymn to Liberty, which became the Greek national anthem. Don't miss the neo-Byzantine Museum which houses much of the religious art rescued from earthquake-damaged churches. The Loggerhead turtle is an endangered species which nests on the island. Its continued existence is threatened by the high numbers of tourists who use the beaches where the eggs must lie in the sand, undisturbed for 60 days, before they hatch. Responsible holiday-makers are encouraged to check to find out which beaches should be avoided at these times of the year. Beach resorts on Zakynthos include Kalamaki, Vasilikos and Porto Roma. Inland, the villages of Maherado , Agios Nikolaos, Maries and Gyrio are all interesting and well worth the effort required to get to them. Visitors can reach the island by air from Athens or by ferry from Kyllini (in the northern Peloponnese). Once on the island there is a limited bus service but there are vehicles for hire from various outlets. |